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Florida man acquitted of murder charge years after deadly dispute with neighbor over cat

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Published  January 14, 2025 12:02am EST
Marion County
FOX 35 Orlando

Neighbor acquitted of murder charge in cat dispute

A years-long legal battle over a deadly confrontation in Umatilla, Florida, has ended with a jury acquitting a man of second-degree murder charges stemming from a dispute over a cat.

The Brief

    • A Florida man was acquitted of second-degree murder charges after fatally shooting his neighbor, James Taylor, during an argument over a cat crossing property lines in 2021.
    • The jury determined the shooter acted reasonably under the circumstances, though Taylor’s fiancée, Crystal Mitchell, expressed disbelief and described Taylor as nonviolent.
    • Legal experts stress the importance of de-escalation in conflicts, emphasizing that deadly force should only be a last resort.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. - A years-long legal battle over a deadly confrontation has ended with a jury acquitting a man of second-degree murder charges stemming from a dispute over a cat.

James Taylor, 41, was fatally shot during an argument with his neighbor. 

What led to the deadly confrontation?

The backstory:

The incident occurred on October 20, 2021, in Southeast Marion County, north of Umatilla, and reportedly began when Taylor’s cat crossed onto the neighbor’s property, leading to a confrontation. 

According to investigators, the neighbor, Clifton Anthony Bliss Jr., armed himself with a rifle and approached Taylor’s home, where the argument escalated.

The sheriff's office arrested Bliss Jr. on a second-degree murder charge. Last week, a jury found Bliss Jr. not guilty after determining his actions were reasonable under the circumstances.

What they're saying:

Taylor’s fiancée, Crystal Mitchell, expressed disbelief over the tragedy. "For that to end up like that? It’s unbelievable," she said. Mitchell, who declined to appear on camera, said Taylor was a helpful neighbor, adding, "James wasn't the kind to walk around and just threaten anybody and everybody with violence — that was not him."

Legal experts say such cases hinge on proving an imminent threat of deadly force.

Criminal defense attorney Michael Panella, who was not involved in the case, emphasized the importance of de-escalation in conflicts. 

"Your best self-defense are … nonverbal and verbal cues, being able to de-escalate something and actually removing yourself from a dangerous situation," Panella said. "The last resort, the absolute last resort, is using deadly force."

Bliss Jr. declined to comment on his acquittal. 

Mitchell hopes her story reminds others that violence is never the answer.

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Marion County Sheriff's Office, and the victim's fiancée, Crystal Mitchell.

Marion CountyCrime and Public Safety